New York City: Giorgione

Located at 307 Spring Street, Giorgione is owned by Giorgio DeLuca, who first helped create the groundbreaking Dean & DeLuca. It's classic Italian.

I started with the artisinal cheese plate, which included the pecorina brinata (a sheep's milk aged 6 months), caserficio dell atta Langa Latur (a mixture of soft cow, sheep and goat's milk from Piedmont), and a parmigiano reggiano (cut from DOC wheels). From there, I moved on to the cheese tortellini in roasted duck broth. The waiter recommended the panna cotta for dessert, which could not be beat. And the classic cappuccino was perfect. My lunch companion, editor Kristin Weber, had the thin-crust margherita pizza, cooked in a wood oven. She granted me a piece and it was delicious.

The decor is classic and elegant and the custom-made fireplace adds warmth and personality. Service was prompt and excellent.